Because I grew up around the tract-home building industry, I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around anything other than 2-by-4s, sheer panels and drywall. But now that sustainability is becoming a life-and-death issue for our species, I find my mind opening. And this rammed-earth home in Napa, built for the owner of a…
After countless vain attempts to locate a solar-powered fountain similar to the one I stumbled upon at my local Home Depot, I’ve decided the better way is to find the components and assemble one myself. The elements are shown above: fountain + pump/solar panel = solar-powered fountain. Fountain: The fountains come from places like OSH,…
Los Angeles-based Pardee Homes received an Energy Value Housing Award last month at the International Builder’s Show in Orlando. The awards recognize builders who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency in the design, construction and marketing of new homes. The word "voluntarily" is key for builders, who want to avoid more regulations and mandates. These builders are…
Bill and Becka Doering did a whole-house green remodel on their Santa Barbara home, and I wrote a Pardon Our Dust feature about it, which you can read here. Bill is both an engineer and a green-building enthusiast. With his firm, Doering Design & Engineering, he helps others make their homes more energy-efficient. Also, the…
Got wind? I love the idea of harnessing that clean power. But when I found out that many wind farms are set in the paths of migratory birds and that the turbines kill scores of birds annually, well, my support of the technology dried up. Plus, those giant windmills are pretty much a nonstarter for…
Craftston Bronze ENERGY STAR 10 1/2" High Outdoor Wall Light The Craftston Collection of outdoor lighting offers classic good-looks from the Mission and Arts & Crafts traditions. This fluorescent outdoor wall light has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating for energy efficient operation. Plus, it features an integrated dusk-to-dawn photocell for added efficiency. An aged…